The most extreme expression of not coercing a child is the Halachah that if a child is eating non-kosher food, the Beit Din is not commanded to separate him (Yevamot 114a).We obviously should not understand this statement to mean that there should be anarchy in the child's life. Rather it teaches that while a Beit Din is not commanded to interfere, a father is certainly obligated to educate the child (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 343:1). We thus learn that there is a difference between coercion and education. Education is built upon love, trust and a close connection. Coercion is general, education is personal. We do not educate uniformly – not even children from the same family. Hashem therefore ordered it so that all the children in one family are not born at the same time to allow each one to slowly develop his character.It is certainly true that a father and mother possess an awesome responsibility to educate their child, and the Beit Din must also be concerned that the parent's obligation is fulfilled (Mishnah Berurah ibid.). But it must not be done through coercion, since we do not gain anything from acting in this way. We must gently guide every child toward the good, each according to his ability.

Mission Statement

To Enrich the spiritual life of the English-speaking World through the Torah of Ha-Rav Shlomo Aviner, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. By offering English translations of Rav Aviner’s written and oral Torah, this division of the yeshiva aims to expose English speakers to a powerful, sensitive and poetic voice unparalleled in our time. His unfailing optimism, his tolerance and love all Jews, his guidance for harmony within the Jewish family and his dedication to Eretz Yisrael, the State of Israel and Tzahal will inspire and enrich the lives of all who may now have access to his words.